Nuclear health physics monitor apprenticeship

Nuclear health physics monitors provide radiological monitoring services at the workface within the nuclear industry to protect people, plant and the environment from the negative effects of ionising radiation and contamination.

They use specialist instrumentation, such as hand-held monitors and air-samplers, to carry out radiological protection monitoring for people, and to take readings of surface and airborne contamination levels and radiation dose rates. All readings must be recorded accurately and responded to accordingly.

Nuclear health physics monitors also undertake radiation-related work activities in support of nuclear facility teams and may support the nuclear site’s emergency response arrangements. They support the control of radiation and contamination, and add significant value through reinforcing radiological safety standards and the actions of the nuclear workforce.

As a nuclear health physics monitor apprentice you will work on nuclear sites (including waste management, decommissioning, and operational nuclear plants). Working conditions are varied and may involve you wearing specialist safety equipment, and working shifts on sites that run operations 365 days of the year. You will be expected to work with minimal supervision, both individually and as part of a team, and to take responsibility for the quality and accuracy of the work you undertake.

The apprenticeship will typically take two years to complete. Apprentices are required to undergo training, gain experience and achieve a recognised safety qualification, for example to Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Working Safely or Safety Passport standard.

For further information, contact the National Skills Academy for Nuclear: www.nsan.co.uk